1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

— Romans 5:1-2

For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”

— Zechariah 4:10

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.

–Revelation 3:1

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

— Isaiah 11:2

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, peace and joy to you from the incarnated God, the Savior Jesus Christ.

John’s vivid description of God and His throne sets the backdrop for the whole book of Revelation. However, everything in life should be interpreted with God’s majesty in mind. God is supreme and splendid—both beautiful and terrifying. No one can escape the penetrating light of His character or His thundering righteousness. God is not one option among many; He is the center of all and rules everything that was, is, and ever will be. Praise God that He has provided mercy and access through His matchless Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Though these images may seem strange or difficult to interpret, the majestic authority of God as ruler and judge remains absolutely clear.

In God’s throne room, John also saw seven lamps, identified as the “seven spirits of God,” blaze in front of God’s throne. The number seven commonly indicates completeness and perfection. Many scholars suggest the seven lamps represent the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself spoke with complete authority regarding the Holy Spirit. Isaiah wrote of Jesus, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.